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The Village of Campton Hills is a semi-rural community located on the western edge of the Chicago Metropolitan Area, roughly 45 miles... Show moreThe Village of Campton Hills is a semi-rural community located on the western edge of the Chicago Metropolitan Area, roughly 45 miles from downtown Chicago. The Village was founded in 1835 and today, there still remains a significant amount of historic resources from the period of these early settlers. Currently, the Village is interested in building a new town center in the heart of Campton Hills in an area which encompasses nearly 30 significant historic properties. The Village of Campton Hills understands the significance of its historic resources and seeks to preserve and rehabilitate them into resources for the future, but has asked for guidance. This study responds to the Village's mission to preserve its community character, heritage, and natural assets and will focus on 1) the update of the last historic resources survey completed in the 1980s 2) a tool box of preservation resources including a Historic Preservation Ordinance, Designation, Design Guidelines, and a Demolition Delay Ordinance and 3) recommendations for the adaptive reuse of the historic resources located in the heart of the future town center. The update of the existing historic resources survey included archival research into the history and development of the Village and a windshield survey of Campton Township completed by the author. The preservation tool box was developed through discussions with urban planners, preservation organizations, and community members to understand what tools would be beneficial for the Village of Campton Hills. After a list of tools was developed extensive research was completed to define each tool and understand how these tools are used throughout the state of Illinois in similar communities. Lastly, Chapter 3 was developed through discussions with designers, planners, and the community to understand the community's needs and the feasibility of reusing and integrating the historic resources into the new town center. It is the hope that this study will serve as a reference for the Village as it continues to grow and seeks to preserve its heritage and culture. Show less

The United States Midwest milk industry has come from a modest and unsanitary past. Prior to 1900 each family would have their own milk... Show moreThe United States Midwest milk industry has come from a modest and unsanitary past. Prior to 1900 each family would have their own milk cow, though a few people began to purchase milk from milk peddlers. During this time, a disease called "milk sick" was plaguing people across the United States. Advancements in science verified concerns that dirty, unsanitary, spoiled milk was making people ill. By 1870 factories purchasing milk for production began to require changes to the farmstead. Barns were altered and updated to achieve more sanitary conditions and milk being sold for both liquid milk and production of dairy products was being tested for quality. Prior to 1945 factories regulated the milk and farmers ensured their neighboring dairies were adhering to the new standards. In 1933 the price of non-liquid milk dropped significantly and several dairy unions formed to ensure all farmers were paid equally for their product. The drop in prices lead to strikes across the Midwest, which after a year of fighting lead to a raise in price of milk. The changes made to the dairy barns at this time were not only technological changes, but cultural ones as well. New requirements meant bank style barns originating from the German culture were no longer an ideal design. Major alterations to the construction of barns like replacing dirt floors with concrete, adding ventilation systems, whitewashing the interior of the milk parlor, and building stanchions that are comfortable for both the cow and the person milking them. The changes made during the sanitation movement were pivotal to the organization and running of every dairy farm in the Midwest. No longer could farmers continue to run their farms in whatever fashion best suited them. Improvements were required and those who did not follow them were run out of the business. A significant number of dairy farms did end up closing during this time and soon after, leaving a huge responsibility on those left to continue to produce more milk with the same number of cows. The newfound responsibility caused many farmers to increase the number of dairy cows to keep up with demand. Additions were added to barns and more workers were hired. The changes made during the Sanitation Movement were also applied to the increasing farm size. In 1945 the USDA stepped in and the government was now regulating these changes. The Sanitation Movement was a fundamental stepping-stone in the dairy industry as whole. We would not be where we are today if initial changes were not made so long ago. Show less

Many factors lead up to the City Council passing the 90 Day Demolition Delay Ordinance in 2003: The wholesale razing of significantly... Show moreMany factors lead up to the City Council passing the 90 Day Demolition Delay Ordinance in 2003: The wholesale razing of significantly historic buildings on the south and west side of Chicago in the 1960's and 70's, the demolition of Adler and Sullivan's iconic Chicago Stock Exchange building in 1973, the death of Richard Nickel while photographing and trying to salvage a few artifacts from the Exchange, the comprehensive 12 year survey of all pre 1940 buildings in Chicago color coding them by importance and completed in 1996 (Chicago Historic Resources Survey), and finally and perhaps the last straw the demolition of Alfred Alschuler's 1927 Mercantile Exchange in 2002 that to this day is a vacant lot. Because of the great hue and cry raised by preservationists, citizens and an announced series of articles to be published by Chicago Tribune architectural critic Blair Kamin, Mayor Richard M. Daley and his staff rushed through the City Council, in December of 2002, an ordinance that would delay for go days the demolition of any structure rated red or orange on the completed Chicago Historic Resources Survey of pre-1940 buildings. The ordinance would take effect in January of 2003. The ordinance has now been on the books for 10 years but has it been effective in curbing the destruction of historic structures? "Chicago's 90 Day Demolition Delay Ordinance a Decade in Review" will attempt to answer that question. Show less

Throughout history, humans have adapted to earthquake-controlled environments, altering the structure of their cities and towns in order... Show moreThroughout history, humans have adapted to earthquake-controlled environments, altering the structure of their cities and towns in order to overcome the challenges of building in seismically active regions. The country of Italy, which is located directly along a major fault line, has experienced a long history of seismic activity -- affecting both the settlement patterns of its cities and the fundamental characteristics of its built environment. As one of the oldest and most diverse building typologies found throughout the world, unreinforced masonry structures contribute to the historic and architectural diversity of many Italian cities -- and yet their fundamental characteristics leave them particularly vulnerable to the forces of earthquakes. For many cities and towns, the challenge of mitigating the seismic risk to the built environment is directly connected to reducing the vulnerabilities of the existing stone masonry structures. This thesis examines the intersection of disaster recovery with the field of historic preservation -- focusing on the city of Crevalcore, Italy which lies within the Lower Po Valley of the Emilia Romagna region. In the early hours of May 20, 2012, the city of Crevalcore experienced a strong, shallow crustal earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 on the Richter scale, devastating the city's historic center which contains numerous cultural and architectural resources. The obstacles posed by earthquake damage requires an investigation into technologies which can be implemented in order to preserve architecturally significant resources, but also necessitates the integration of contemporary architecture into voids left within the urban fabric of the city. In this thesis, mitigation and retrofitting strategies for historic unreinforced masonry structures affected by seismic activity were review and analyzed; in addition, where it was assumed that buildings could not be retained, appropriate methods of infill design were also studied. In both circumstances, historic preservation can be incorporated into the recovery process of the city, allowing for significant resources to be restored, protected, and preserved while still encouraging reconstruction and new growth within the city. Show less

This thesis discusses three women sculptors of the early 1900s: Anna Hyatt Huntington, Laura Gardin Fraser, and Sylvia Shaw Judson. Their... Show moreThis thesis discusses three women sculptors of the early 1900s: Anna Hyatt Huntington, Laura Gardin Fraser, and Sylvia Shaw Judson. Their careers offer fascinating chapters in what they have contributed to American sculpture, architecture, and even the uniquely American traditions of landscape and garden design. This thesis focuses on selected works created by these three women, which includes commissions for architectural schemes and monumental sculpture. It considers subject matter, style, and location of works, while also informing the reader about each woman's biography. Understanding social norms and the cultural milieu of the time reveals the significance of a work, and aids in accurate interpretation of historic material. This thesis analyzes the ambition, vision, and masterful techniques of Huntington, Fraser and Judson. Their works are -- though not widely recognized by the general public -- still considered among the best in American sculpture. This thesis is an important step to reversing this lack of awareness. It also reveals differences between age and the marital partnerships these women had, in order to consider how these circumstances and choices effected their careers. Each woman represents a different decade in succession. I've chosen Anna Hyatt Huntington, Laura Gardin Fraser, and Sylvia Shaw Judson for the singular ways their careers fit together. Both Huntington and Fraser achieved significant firsts for women in sculpture, while Judson received her first formal training from Huntington. Huntington, Fraser, and Judson entered several of the same exhibitions and World's Fairs throughout their careers, and they were all members of the National Academy of Design. While the work these women expertly created was not necessarily groundbreaking, they were the groundbreakers for women artists, surpassing the female pioneers before them, and established respect for women in the art world, making it possible for new generations of women artists to create revolutionary work. Show less

This thesis accounts the social, technological, and artistic trends that provoked a movement towards impressive interior designs within... Show moreThis thesis accounts the social, technological, and artistic trends that provoked a movement towards impressive interior designs within historic theatres between the years of 1890 to 1930. Specifically, this thesis focuses on design trends that lead to the popularization of the outdoor roof garden theater and the exotic landscape theater as an important architectural type. The two themes were commonly combined as a way to evoke the feeling of being engrossed in a complete fantasy world. Foreign exoticism working in conjunction with the relaxing atmosphere of being placed in an outdoor space proved not only to be economical, but also commercially favorable across North America. It will be detailed how the two themes merged during the 1920's to create the atmospheric theater - one of the most momentous movie palace types to be created. The analysis will begin with the popularization of vaudeville theater and how circuit owners ventured to capitalize local patrons. They found that creating a lavish setting and amenities, previously only available to the elite, increased patronage. With the emergence of motion picture entertainment, circuit owners were forced to retrofit their theatres into venues that could accommodate films. The analysis will then continue to outline how theater owners attempted to distance themselves from one another using their theatre architecture as a vehicle to yield more business. This thesis will look at the history and evolution of outdoor garden designs; the architects that were involved with creating them; and the theatres where this style was most effective. Case studies on both American and Canadian theatres will be examined. The theaters chosen as detailed case studies are Loew's Yonge Street Theatre, located in Toronto, Ontario, and the Avalon Theatre, located in Chicago, Illinois. A compare and contrast on the differences of each theater will give insight on the development of the outdoor garden theater and how it was successful business venture for each circuit owner. Each case study will highlight the exceptional artistic renderings of the interior space and its captivating outdoor scenery. Special consideration in this thesis will be given to master architect ideas, new technologies that were invited, materials used in construction, and architectural motifs that made each case theater unique. Show less

This thesis explores an alternative way to approach Historic Preservation. This work will serve as an example of how easily-ignored... Show moreThis thesis explores an alternative way to approach Historic Preservation. This work will serve as an example of how easily-ignored historic structures can be part of a community's nocturnal landscape by creatively illuminating them at night. Highlighting significant historic structures at night can create a positive impact on the surrounding community, not just economically, but also socially and environmentally. Therefore, in this project the concept of urban symbols is developed and visually integrated into the Chicago's nocturnal skyline to create an emotional connection between a community and its historic urban heritage. These historic symbols can reinforce the neighborhood's character and substantially bring these spaces to life creating a better place to live. This thesis focuses on five historic structures located in different areas of the Pilsen neighborhood, which has been listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places since 2006. The neighborhood of Pilsen is the oldest of four working-class communities on the Lower West Side of Chicago. This area harbors a large number of buildings constructed by ethnic European immigrants. The first ethnic groups to arrive in Pilsen were the Irish and Germans in the 1840s, followed in the 1870s by the Czechs, Bohemians (Czech), Lithuanians, Poles, Croatian, and Italians. It wasn't until the 1950s and 1960s, when a larger group of Mexicans arrived into Pilsen, meanwhile the Europeans began moving away to other areas of the city and the suburbs. Today, Pilsen is well known as the largest Mexican community in the Midwest. Pilsen's status as a National Register-listed historic district is for the most part honorary, and it does not give protection to its historic fabric; therefore, the community is the only custodian of its legacy. To create awareness of and promote preservation values within the residents of Pilsen, this thesis uses as an example significant historic structures to explore the challenge of promoting preservation. The five historic structures for the lighting design proposal are St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, St. Adalbert Roman Catholic Church, St. Procopius Church, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, and Zion Lutheran Church. In the area of Pilsen, the churches' towers are the tallest architectural structures in their immediate surrounding landscape; therefore, this group of historic structures was selected primarily for their potential impact on viewers during night time, either locally or beyond Pilsen's boundaries. Other elements of each building such as architectural style, setting, conditions, and their unique urban context, will be analyzed to approach individual lighting design proposal. Show less

This Thesis explores the history on an escarpment overlooking the city of Toronto that has, since the city's founding, been an elite... Show moreThis Thesis explores the history on an escarpment overlooking the city of Toronto that has, since the city's founding, been an elite residential neighborhood. Initially founded in 1793 as York, the capital of Upper Canada in 1793, this land was partitioned and granted to the province's government officials from Great Britain and United Empire Loyalists who arrived from the United States. With the evolution of the Capital's social and political structure, and the rapid growth of the city's population and resulting land annexations, these parcels were inherited, subdivided, or purchased by Toronto entrepreneurs. Nine estates were built by this new generation of the city's elite (Wells Hill, Lenwil, Casa Lorna, Spadina House, Ardwold, Glen Edyth, Rathnelly, Benvenuto and Oaklands). Eventually the estates were engulfed by the city as a result of rapid growth in the 1920s, and the period between the years of 1921 and 1936 witnessed the demolition of the main houses on four consecutive estates (Ardwold, Glen Edyth, Rathnelly, and Benvenuto), and the subsequent subdivision of the estates for upscale residential developments, creating a divergence in the string of former escarpment estates. The focus of this Thesis is to document the remaining architectural and landscape elements of Ardwold, Glen Edyth, Rathnelly, and Benvenuto, both in and ex situ. This is accompanied by summary histories of each property and a discussion of development patterns they affected and were affected by, which will provide context for the houses that survive, and contribute to the memory of those that do not. By engaging in mapping and visually documenting these estates, this study allows for better understanding of what remnants still exist and what still exists in the private and public realms of a neighborhood so central to the history of the City of Toronto. Show less

In the years after the Great Chicago Fire, the city experienced a housing crisis that was satisfied through the rapid platting of new... Show moreIn the years after the Great Chicago Fire, the city experienced a housing crisis that was satisfied through the rapid platting of new subdivisions and the building of thousands of workers cottages: one to one-and-a-half story double-cell houses with front oriented gables. Embodying elements of traditional factory town residences and the popular designs Andrew Jackson Downing and others, workers cottages provided much needed housing for immigrants. Samuel Eberly Gross was one of Chicago's most prolific subdivider-builders. From 1880 to 1900, Gross platted and sold over 30,000 lots and built over 10,000 houses. Gross' innovative financing and marketing techniques enabled him to mass-produce suburban homes at a price affordable to a clerk, skilled craftsman, or a common laborer. Although historians have discussed Gross' influence on the real estate market, few have considered the physical imprint he left on the built environment. As historian Joseph Bigott observed in 2006, "to date no academic historian has bothered to study in detail a single subdivision that he developed." This thesis will attempt to refocus attention on the architectural output of the S.E. Gross Company at one subdivision in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago. Answering Bigott's call, building permits, census records, and tract indexes will supplement previous research on Gross' cottages. Additionally, while some historians have explored the period of workers cottage growth in and around the city, they abandon the cottage's continued history after 1900 in favor of its successor: the Chicago Bungalow. This thesis will consider the continued importance of the workers cottage in the twentieth century and their survival to this day. Though this thesis is itself a narrative of the workers cottage, it will explore how the story of the workers cottage in Chicago was articulated in comparison to that of other building types. Show less

With a focus on three case studies, the 1929 Daily News building, the 1930 Merchandise Mart building, and the Boeing building completed... Show moreWith a focus on three case studies, the 1929 Daily News building, the 1930 Merchandise Mart building, and the Boeing building completed in 1990, all in Chicago, this thesis will study how air rights legislation and design were established in America, specifically in building over rail lines. It will mark the historic change in legislation 'claiming the space above,' which enabled building over existing railroad lines in busy downtown Chicago to be among America's first air rights building developments. This thesis will also explore precedents in the City of London, England, at the time of the expansion of the tube subway system of transport, where "air rights over rail" was strictly purpose-built for potential future commercial development at a much smaller scale prior to the large-scale developments in the three case studies. The first case study, the Daily News building, is a key development over railroad in the thesis, which outlines the history of early air rights developments, construction, and locomotion achievements that enabled air rights development, including long-span, cantilever, and suspension engineering; vibration and sound dampening and lift systems; as well as the effects of steam and electric engines for locomotion on air rights design. The second case study, the Merchandise Mart building, serves to illustrate how quickly developing legal language adapted to air rights. The Boeing building, the third case study, is notable as the tallest development in Chicago built over rail. It will serve to illustrate advancements in development and use since the Daily News building pioneered these rights. The case studies are located at the Chicago River edge, where rail for passenger and freight transit was established as an outer band to Chicago's central downtown development. The thesis is supplemented by glossary of air rights terms. Show less

Mosaic floor pavements have been used as functional architectural ornamentation throughout the world for thousands of years. Small mosaic... Show moreMosaic floor pavements have been used as functional architectural ornamentation throughout the world for thousands of years. Small mosaic tiles, called tesserae, traditionally include stones, marbles, backed clays, glass and other materials in an endless spectrum of colors and textures. The art of arranging mosaic tesserae into patterns or pictorial representations and setting them in a bed of cement results in a remarkably durable floor as well as a decorative element within architectural interiors and exteriors. However, as desirable as they are for their durability, mosaic floor pavements are not without their vulnerabilities. Pleasant Home, also known as the John Farson House, is a historic house museum located in the historic community of Oak Park, Illinois, a village known for its architectural significance. Designed in 1897 by prominent architect George Washington Maher, the house is a particularly notable early example of a Prairie Style home and is a National Historic Landmark, the highest designation given by the United States government for sites of outstanding historic significance. The Summer Dining Porch, located in the southwest corner of Pleasant Home, contains a mosaic floor pavement comprised of Carrara marble and ceramic tesserae. The floor exhibits two long cracks in the mosaic floor, which has resulted over time due to the corrosion of two 7-foot long!-beams beneath the porch floor slab. In 2013, the Summer Dining Porch underwent a restoration that included stabilizing and repairing the corroded 1-beams. The cracks in the mosaic floor remain, but were filled in with tinted tile grout. The purpose of this thesis is to produce compatible ceramic tesserae, which can be used to fill to two floor cracks of the Summer Dining Porch Mosaic. Replacement ceramic tesserae will be donated to The Pleasant Home foundation to be used for potential future restoration of the Summer Dining Porch Mosaic. Documentation of the colors and qualities of the tesserae, the overall design, and current conditions of the mosaic floor was undertaken. The floor cracks and adjacent tesserae were studied in detail, noting differences in surface level, the undulating width of the floor cracks, and the condition of adjacent tesserae. Research and experimentation with clay body recipes, colorants, and firing variations were undertaken in the effort to produce tesserae that match the original mosaic floor in color, size, luster, durability, and craftsmanship. Show less

Historic preservation tools and methodology can be applied to the preservation of archaeological and heritage sites. Using the... Show moreHistoric preservation tools and methodology can be applied to the preservation of archaeological and heritage sites. Using the archaeological site of Ornrit, Israel as a case study, the author demonstrates how historic preservation is in a unique position to effectively address the problems and issues of site-wide preservation, a process that traditionally has been overlooked by archaeologists and conservators. Tools inherent in historic preservation as a practice, such as building pathology, documentation, and planning, are applied to the archaeological remains at Omrit in order to create a comprehensive proposal for the site's preservation and interpretation as a public space. Research into the state of the field of contemporary heritage preservation is presented and demonstrates a need for third party intervention, especially in the case of mid- to low-level archaeological sites. Condition assessments of the extant archaeological remains identify patterns of decay, which are then further used to distinguish causes and origins of deterioration. Hydrology, geomorphology, topography, and meteorology of the site are analyzed to determine environmental factors affecting the remains, including sea-salt aerosols, precipitation patterns, and water table fluctuations. These pieces of information are then used to identify when and where the site is most vulnerable. Mitigation measures used in historic preservation for controlling moisture and water in historic masonry buildings are presented as a solution to Ornrit's extensive water problems. Investigation into protective shelter design and construction informs a final proposal for an open-air structure over the site. The design is a culmination of the research findings listed above, using conclusions from the site's condition assessment, environmental degradation cycles, and notable existing protective shelters to inform a suitable shelter over Omrit's temple complex. The shelter is designed to take into account conservation of the remains, visitor and interpretation concerns, and scale of the site. By examining all factors informing site deterioration to create a usable preservation plan, the author hopes to demonstrate how the comprehensive nature of historic preservation's approaches can be effectively used in archaeological heritage management. Show less

Although the dangers of ingesting lead dust have been known and documented for over two hundred fifty years, lead, a neurotoxin, was not... Show moreAlthough the dangers of ingesting lead dust have been known and documented for over two hundred fifty years, lead, a neurotoxin, was not banned in the United States until 1978. There is still a lack of awareness of the dangers associated with disturbing surfaces which contain lead-based paint. This lack of awareness is a major factor contributing to lead poisoning regardless of socioeconomic class. As preservationists, this problem is of particular importance, as we work primarily with structures likely to contain lead-based paint. Because any project which involves disturbing surfaces which contain lead-based paint will generate dust that contains lead and expose anyone who enters the work area to potential lead contamination and poisoning, it is essential that proper precautions are taken. In addition to discussing the history of lead in paint, the health dangers of lead, and the history of legislation enacted to protect the public from lead poisoning, the author proposes a solution for addressing the dangers of lead-based paint in a safe, cost effective manner. The author refers to his approach as the Three E 's: (a) education-- increasing awareness of the dangers of disturbing lead-based paint, (b) enactment-- the need for legislation so that contractors and property owners follow safety protocols, and (c) enforcement-- a method to ensure compliance with the safety protocols. Finally, the author offers recommendations so preservationists are prepared to effectively address the issue of lead-based paint in projects with which they may be involved. The author surveyed documentation on the history of the use of lead in paint, historic paint manufacturing techniques, and the history of the knowledge of problems associated with lead in paint. Case studies and interviews with homeowners and contractors who live in or who have worked on houses likely to have contained lead-based paint are also included. Show less

China has a long history of architecture, almost as long as the history of the country itself, however, it has a relatively short history... Show moreChina has a long history of architecture, almost as long as the history of the country itself, however, it has a relatively short history for building preservation. Historic preservation practice in China is no older than 100 years, while the standardized and legitimate preservation system is even younger. Historic preservation in China is limited to several factors. First, Chinese people generally have not been enthusiastic about historic preservation. China has only reached the peak of its economic development in the last decade. Before this period, government officials were focused exclusively on ameliorating the poverty of the country. Because of this, historic preservation was not considered a high priority for the government or the public. Secondly, most of China's historic buildings are wooden structures. These were constructed with the expectation that they would be regularly renovated or repainted every few decades to maintain performance and aesthetic appeal. Thirdly, large building sites, such as palaces, gardens, and monuments, were often destroyed completely once the new ruling class replaced the Qing dynasty. Therefore, the proportion of historic architectural treasures left in China is small compared to Western countries whose monumental historic buildings are constructed mainly of masonry. Lastly, Chinese preservationists have searched many decades to create their own efficient, unique, and Chinese-specific approaches to historic preservation. Chinese architectural historians and historic preservationists have debated Chinese and Western opposing preservation opinions until today. This same discussion is occurring more frequently in the United States as well. Even though China does not have as much experience with historic preservation as does the United States, Japan, and many European countries, its influential cultural background offers a fresh and unique point of view for problems in historic preservation. This thesis will address the development of Chinese preservation history, debates over different approaches in preservation practice, and two related case studies echoing these opposing voices in the preservation decision-making process. Show less

West Town, an officially designated Chicago community area, is a mosaic of distinct neighborhoods that have been shaped by a rich and... Show moreWest Town, an officially designated Chicago community area, is a mosaic of distinct neighborhoods that have been shaped by a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Located three miles Northwest of the Chicago Loop, West Town has a total area of 4.57 miles bounded by the former railroad tracks on Bloomingdale Avenue to the north, the Union Pacific railroad tracks and Kinzie Avenue to the south, the Chicago River North Branch to the east, and Kedzie Avenue to the west. Historically, West Town was home to a large population of working-class German, Polish, and Ukrainian immigrants, and has since witnessed the influx of other ethic groups, such as Puerto Ricans and Mexicans, within its boundaries. Today, the diversity of West Town's population and historic building stock is being threatened by gentrification and a lack of historic preservation. One neighborhood in particular, located to the south of Ukrainian Village, provides a case study for the effects of development on a community that has been neglected by local preservation planning efforts. Bounded by natural barriers-Chicago Avenue to the north, Damen Avenue to the east, Grand Avenue to the south and Western Avenue to the west-this neighborhood is 1.69 square miles and sixteen square blocks. The streetscape is an electric mix of late-nineteenth century working-class residential buildings and small manufacturing buildings. Despite its host of historic building stock, as well as its location bordering City of Chicago Landmark Districts and neighborhoods with active neighborhood associations, this neighborhood lacks any measure of historic resource protection, community engagement, or even a proper name. In order to recommend preservation strategies, this neighborhood has been surveyed for both its extant and recently demolished historic buildings. For the purpose of this historic resources survey, as well as to help the neighborhood assert an identity among the larger West Town community, the neighborhood has been referred to as South Ukrainian Village. Show less

Immediately following the Second World War, the Chicago Park District embarked on a citywide park construction and development plan that... Show moreImmediately following the Second World War, the Chicago Park District embarked on a citywide park construction and development plan that fostered the creation of 43 new parks and necessary improvements on existing sites. Park development had been largely stagnant during the Great Depression and subsequent war years while the city pushed its outer boundaries and population patterns shifted; as a result, many communities found themselves without pedestrian access to any parks, and those sites that remained in older neighborhoods needed upgrades to meet residents' needs. The Ten-Year Park Development Plan was funded by a legislative bond issue of $60 million over ten years ($6 million per year), and was put to popular vote in a special referendum election in 1945. Accordingly, the Ten-Year Plan can be seen as a direct response to the shifting recreational needs of the American public during a fungible historic period. The end of a global conflict and the beginning of the long Cold War underscored a national desire to produce strong, capable citizens, and the Ten-Year Park Plan, whether explicitly or implicitly, met this impulse by replacing the city's historic bent toward picturesque landscapes and pleasure grounds with a series of gymnasiums, ball fields, and exceptional mid-century modern field houses. At the same time, this building campaign also took place in the years just before urban renewal programs cut vast swaths through American cities, and certainly Jed to slum clearance in some of Chicago's economically depressed and underserved communities. An initiative under the larger plan was the School-Park Plan, in which parks were sited adjacent to neighborhood schools, thereby allowing the Park District and Chicago Public Schools to economize resources and facilities. A group of young architects and landscape designers planned and designed these new parks, working in-house at the Chicago Park District under the supervision of Ralph Burke, the prominent director of many of the city's crucial mid-century public works projects. They included E.V. Buchsbaum, an Armour Institute graduate; Max W. Matz, who went on to produce a prolific and award-winning series of landscapes in the city; Robert E. Moore, Jr., who founded the Chicago chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects; and several others who spent long careers at the Chicago Park District. Show less

Conversion of underutilized buildings to performing assets is critical to owners of real estate. This paper is a summary and analysis of... Show moreConversion of underutilized buildings to performing assets is critical to owners of real estate. This paper is a summary and analysis of the application of the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HTC) to historic preservation projects in the City of Chicago. Although the true cost of the HTC program is difficult to ascertain from published data, there are historic buildings producing income today that might have been torn down without the 20% credit. The HTC has been of economic value to the preservation of key historic buildings in Chicago. Analysis of the limited data reveals historic trends in usage. Impacts considered include short-term and long-term jobs, increased housing options, increased tax revenues, and other changes in the neighborhood that were unlikely without the investment. Intangibles include the enhancement of a neighborhood's historic character and retention of historic fabric. Sources include interviews with governmental and advocacy organizations, as well as companies who have worked with the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit. Output includes: - Analysis of the data by pre-rehabilitation/post-rehabilitation use - Analysis of the data by geographic area - Analysis of the data over time In the City of Chicago, there is also a large population of buildings eligible to use the Historic Tax Credit based on National Register of Historic Places listing or by position as a contributing building in a National Park Service-designated historic district. An estimate of the number of potential HTC projects for the City of Chicago is also included. Data and conditions for use of the HTC are discussed, revealing steps to follow and circumstances to consider in pursuit of this high return on investment. The information herein could be utilized by new owners to determine HTC opportunities; by the City of Chicago to plan and promote development of historic properties and districts; by the State of Illinois as background data in support of a state HTC; and by the Historic Tax Credit Coalition (HTCC) in the defense of the HTC at the federal level. With accessible and consistent data, the analysis of the HTC, including its benefits and costs, can be very revealing. As the future of the HTC is uncertain through tax reform, a tool to document when the HTC moves buildings from untapped potential to income production is worth action. Show less

In the American public school system, educational leaders are challenged with teaching a large amount of information in a short period of... Show moreIn the American public school system, educational leaders are challenged with teaching a large amount of information in a short period of time. In addition to the time constraints, they are faced with financial restrictions and lack of resources. What if these teachers were provided with resources that could use local architecture to teach existing academic standards? With arts education being minimized in the public school system, it's more important now than ever to emphasize our cultural and architectural heritage. Using Nashville, Tennessee as the pilot program, this thesis integrates architecture and historic preservation into the local middle school curriculum. The Nashville Preservation Trunk is an educational kit designed to enrich the appreciation and understanding of historic preservation in the Nashville area. The Nashville Preservation Trunks Program provides unique opportunities for participants to become more informed about the built environment, their community, and how to preserve it. Each trunk includes guided lesson plans for educators and community organizations, handouts, electronic presentations, and hands-on materials and projects. The Nashville Preservation Trunks Program gives students a well-rounded and informed approach towards looking at, discussing, and experiencing architecture in their community. Students use critical analysis to evaluate and interpret these buildings. Through observation, questioning strategies, comparisons, and related architecture and historic preservation activities, students participate in a learning process that leads to a more sophisticated and comprehensive understanding of their Nashville community. Included are projects for middle school students that meet the Tennessee State Standards for art, language arts, social studies, mathematics, music and science. These projects are also aligned with Core Curriculum standards. These trunks will be distributed to several locations in Nashville and will be available for check out by educators and professionals who are interested in leading these workshops. The materials will also be available through the Nashville Preservation Trunks Program website, where families and educators can download lesson plans and other resources. By participating in the Nashville Preservation Trunks Program, educators and students will gain a better understanding of Nashville's rich cultural and architectural history. Show less

The history of Chicago's Englewood neighborhood tells a story of a well-desired middle class suburb with a vibrant shopping district that... Show moreThe history of Chicago's Englewood neighborhood tells a story of a well-desired middle class suburb with a vibrant shopping district that came only second to the wonders of Michigan Avenue. Today, Englewood's overwhelming media coverage of violence covers up the story of a proud community rich in history. Neighborhoods such as this, often outside the protection of local landmark designation, are experiencing a continued loss of character and architectural integrity due to a lack of proper planning tools. The inherent value of the Englewood neighborhood and its local residents played a critical role in the decision to look beyond the conventional approaches to preservation and seek an effective tool for community conservation and revitalization. Using Englewood as a case study, this thesis explores the possibilities of implementing Neighborhood Conservation Districts (NCDs) in Chicago by taking a comprehensive look at their history, structure, and effectiveness in various cities across the nation. NCDs, originally started as a grassroots land-use tool, incorporate elements of preservation and planning to conserve distinctive neighborhood character threatened by such things as disinvestment, vacant lots, and incompatible new development. Like local landmark districts, NCDs present a useful tool for neighborhoods with distinct historic character but employ less restrictive regulatory measures and address more general neighborhood conservation concerns. They also allow each district, within the boundaries of the same city legislature, to create individualized regulations and design guidelines dependent on the specific needs of the neighborhood. An analysis of select districts included in this thesis explores the various NCD models used across the U.S. in an effort to identify the most effective approach to utilizing this tool in Chicago neighborhoods such as Englewood. Recommendations for structuring the basic components of the NCD-enabling ordinance include components such as designation process, administrative review body, actions subject to review, and enforcement. This thesis concludes that NCDs are able to not only provide a more flexible approach to local landmark districts, but also allow neighborhoods to customize and control their own guidelines through the recommended use of an administrative neighborhood commission for each designated district. Through the use of this administrative process in combination with support from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, NCDs have the opportunity to provide a more intimate experience for neighborhood residents, thus spurring community pride and neighborhood revitalization. Show less

The height of geometric abstraction within architectural sculpture is the primary focus of this research. Two prolific architectural... Show moreThe height of geometric abstraction within architectural sculpture is the primary focus of this research. Two prolific architectural sculptors Richard W. Bock and Alfonso Iannelli are directly associated with this stylistic innovation. By analyzing the careers and contributions of both artists, one can see that the history of geometric abstraction was clearly associated with their work, especially their commissions for Frank Lloyd Wright. In addition, this examination will provide a clear explanation of how Bock merged two vastly different styles, classicism and geometric abstraction, which eventually produced fully geometricized figures and environments. Prior research on Bock and Iannelli has primarily focused on individual and biographical compilations. This study surrounds specific commissions between 1890 and 1915. Even\ though the two sculptors were a generation apart, the work they produced in the years leading to and including Midway Gardens, (Chicago,1914) referenced several European art movements that displayed similar geometric characteristics. While their art showed similarities to European artists, they comparatively differed in terms of successfulness of execution and application of style. Midway Gardens displayed the pinnacle of geometric abstraction within architectural sculpture in Midwest America. While Bock and Iannelli contributed to different portions of the overall commission, their treatment showed similarities in terms of the figures. Iannelli was immersed in this style through his collaboration with Wright for Midway Gardens, his figures, the Sprites, were the central and most successful pieces of the project. Bock's several monoliths, constructed to ornament the interior of the structure, were more complex in detail and retained softer facial features than the Sprites. While Bock had developed the expressive style through his commissions for Wright, his career somewhat fatigued post-Midway. Iannelli, on the other hand became well-known for his contribution to Midway Gardens. Show less

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